6.2.2

Evolution

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Evolution and Speciation

Evolution is the gradual change of inherited characteristics of biological populations over time. Speciation happens when two animal populations diverge (separate or split) a lot.

Illustrative background for What is speciation?Illustrative background for What is speciation? ?? "content

What is speciation?

  • Speciation happens when the average phenotypes (observed characteristics) of two populations have diverged (changed) so much that the two populations can no longer breed to produce fertile offspring (offspring that can reproduce).
    • Two different species have been formed.
Illustrative background for Why does speciation happen?Illustrative background for Why does speciation happen? ?? "content

Why does speciation happen?

  • Speciation can happen as a result of evolution.
  • Natural mutations can create new alleles and two populations can begin to diverge.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Biology

1.1What's in Cells?

1.2Cell Division

1.3Transport in Cells

2Organisation

2.1Principles of Organisation

2.2Enzymes

2.3Circulatory System

2.4Non-Communicable Diseases

2.5Plant Tissues, Organs & Systems

3Infection & Response

4Bioenergetics

5Homeostasis & Response

5.1Homeostasis

5.2The Human Nervous System

5.3Hormonal Coordination in Humans

5.4Plant Hormones

6Inheritance, Variation & Evolution

7Ecology

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